Rachel, tell us about your role and what you do at Paroa Bay Winery?

I am the Restaurant and Accommodation Manager at Paroa Bay Winery. I am responsible for our overall guest experiences right from when they first come through the gates and stay at one of our beautiful villas, dine at our award-winning restaurant and ensure that our team has given them the best experience that we could.

Tell us a about your previous experience and background

Previously to working at Paroa Bay Winery, I have worked within sound engineering, I.T, retail, sales, and marketing. I have been working in the Bay of Islands hospitality industry for 10 years. My proudest achievement to date would be starting a family-run coffee roasting business with my husband. Tohorā Coffee Co supplies several local establishments in Northland, including Sage Restaurant.

What is your favourite thing to do onsite or in the area?

My favourite thing about being based in Russell is anything involved with being in, on or beside our unique coastline. Whether it’s sailing, fishing, camping on one of the islands with my family or greeting a group of guests off their boat at the Paroa Bay beach and taking them up to Sage, I’ll have a big smile on my face!

Lastly, what do you love most about New Zealand?

One of the things I love most about Aotearoa is that you do not have to travel far to experience our rich and diverse whenua (land) from the ngahere, maunga and moana.